THE NUMBER of burglary victims has dropped by 40 per cent in the borough over the last year.

THE NUMBER of burglary victims has dropped by 40 per cent in the borough over the last year.

About 17,000 people were targeted between April last year and this month, compared with 30,000 from 2003-2004, according to Rochdale Police.

The 40 per cent figure is double the target set by Greater Manchester Police.

This dramatic drop reflects an overall decline in key crimes - such as robberies and woundings - which have fallen by nearly 10 per cent.

Rochdale Superintendent David Hull attributes the success to a series of high-profile operations and a lot of hard work with partner agencies like the council and Victim Support.

He said: "We are proud of what we have achieved as a partnership.

"One thousand fewer burglary victims is a huge achievement for the people of Rochdale. But we still have work to do and we know that."

Robbery is down by nearly 30 per cent, serious violent crime by 28 per cent, vehicle crime by 16 per cent, juvenile nuisance by four per cent and criminal damage by 10 per cent.

But there has been a small increase in domestic violence and hate crime, according to Superintendent Hull.

He said: "We take the view that more is being reported but we still don't see the whole picture yet.

"In terms of domestic violence, for example, we are looking at our strategy.

"In the past this has been geared towards support and counselling, which is extremely important, but what our team also has is investigative expertise which we haven't been using.

"There is one project suggested where we pay a visit to the victim in advance - before 1am when they may be attacked - to make sure we make our presence known, as well as gathering more evidence and surveillance."

One of the other major issues he would look to tackle is youth nuisance, not just through what he calls 'tools' like dispersal orders, but by holding public meetings, listing residents' priorities and writing to the troublemakers' parents.